New EU Travel Rules to Bring Delays for UK Holidaymakers
The European Union has recently approved new travel regulations that will lead to potential lengthy delays for UK holidaymakers travelling to popular destinations such as France, Spain, Greece, Italy, and Portugal. Under these new rules, individuals from the UK heading to mainland Europe will be required to provide biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints, in addition to the standard passport scanning process at airports and other entry points.
The introduction of these regulations may bring about significant queues and congestion at airports, prompting airlines to consider holding passengers on planes to prevent overcrowding. Furthermore, travellers driving towards the Channel Tunnel have been advised to anticipate extended waiting times, as significant new processing areas are being established at key locations like Dover and London St Pancras to manage the influx of individuals requiring additional checks.
The central component of these new regulations is the implementation of the Entry-Exit System (EES), aimed at bolstering security measures by closely monitoring and recording entries and exits across the EU. Despite facing delays in the past, the EU authorities have recently decided to proceed with the gradual rollout of the EES, with the initial phase slated to commence from October onwards. Following this initial stage, all EU member states will be required to adopt the system within six months.
Assita Kanko, a Belgian Member of the European Parliament overseeing the EES implementation, emphasized the significance of prioritizing European safety by modernizing border control measures. Kanko stated, “The safety of Europeans can no longer be postponed. Reliance on paper stamps at borders, while criminals operate digitally, is unacceptable.” Additionally, she highlighted that while the EES enhances security standards, it also facilitates a smoother experience for lawful travellers, reducing queues and ensuring greater predictability.
Upon the enforcement of the new regulations, all UK passport holders will undergo an initial process involving passport scanning, fingerprinting, and photography when entering Europe for the first time. Subsequently, periodic renewals will be necessary every three years or upon passport expiration. For individuals travelling through the Channel Tunnel or by ferry, the checks will be conducted in the UK, while air passengers will undergo the process upon arrival at their destination. Motorists driving to European destinations will also be required to exit their vehicles for data submission.
Once the EES is fully operational, another system known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is scheduled to be introduced in 2026. Travellers will need to obtain a visa waiver, costing approximately £6 and valid for three years, to gain entry into Europe under the Etias framework. This comprehensive approach seeks to streamline border procedures, enhance security protocols, and ensure a safer and more efficient travel experience for all passengers.
In conclusion, while these new EU travel rules are poised to bring about delays and additional requirements for UK holidaymakers, they represent a significant step towards reinforcing security measures and modernizing border control practices across Europe. Travellers are advised to familiarize themselves with these upcoming changes and prepare accordingly to mitigate any potential disruptions to their journeys.